Boston Bruins

NHL 14: Boston Bruins Guide

Founded: 1924

History:

An Original Six franchise, the Boston Bruins are the oldest team in the United States and the third oldest overall. They have won six Stanley Cup Championships, their most recent coming in 2010-11.

Overview:

The Bruins will enter the 2013/14 NHL season with numerous unknowns. Boston has a lot to live up to after being 17 seconds away from a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Finals before falling to the Chicago Blackhawks. Questions surround the Bruins involving whether Tuukka Rask will play up to his playoff standards from a year ago. They also have a new backup goalie in Chad Johnson. Boston’s top two lines will see a makeover with the additions of Jarome Iginla and Loui Eriksson and the departure of skillful Tyler Seguin and power forward Nathan Horton. The Bruins defense will be similar to last season’s except for the loss of Andrew Ference to Edmonton. Expect Torey Krug to fill in there. The Bruins will hope youngster Dougie Hamilton can continue to make strides on the blue line with the help of Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg. Boston’s young forward core returns which includes that of Milan Lucic, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand. These along with the additions of Iginla and Eriksson provide a solid top two lines to help the Bruins become an elite team again this year.

How to Play as the Bruins:

With the Bruins balanced attack, try to alternate between their top two lines and you will surely have success. Don’t be afraid to take some chances because you have Zdeno Chara and Tuukka Rask to back you up. On powerplays try to set up Big Z at the point with traffic in front. The Bruins like to move the puck around and get it down low for the likes of Lucic, Eriksson, and Iginla. David Krejci is a great passer and Patrice Bergeron is a great face-off winner and back checker. Use this to your advantage.

Fun Fact:

Zdeno Chara, the Bruins captain and tallest player in the NHL, stands over 7 feet tall on skates.